New York Fashion Week: Jason Wu is 'in texture heaven'

Feb. 7, 2014
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A look from Jason Wu / Bebeto Matthews AP

by Arienne Thompson, USA TODAY

by Arienne Thompson, USA TODAY

Star designer Jason Wu sent down a darkly romantic collection full of lush, gotta-feel-them textures in shades of plum, lavendar, grey and black.

"I'm in texture heaven this season," he says backstage post-show, "whether we have velvet or embroidery to fox to mink. You name it, we've got it! We've got the relief of beautiful chiffon and soft slip dressing. We have the coziness of outerwear that felt important and sport. It felt like the kind of outerwear you'd like to wear on such a day as today."

He's right about the brisk weather in New York, which saw fashionistas bundled up in substantial but stylish coats, vests and capes.

Wu says he loved creating the juxtaposition between sexy and cozy with his slinky slip dresses and oversized coats.

"I love the reveal, certainly, that she's all cozied up but with a sexy slipdress underneath. It just felt like what the modern woman would like and it feels like what the luxury customer would want. It felt quietly luxurious and I think that was important. Nothing was overbearing and nothing was overpowering."

When asked how his family, who attend his shows each season, react to the chaotic hustle and bustle of the fashion world, Wu laughingly says that, like many other Millennials, he still finds himself explaining the finer points of his career to his parents.

"They still think I'm a dressmaker in a studio, and I'm like, 'No, Dad. I'm a business person!' But, at the end of the day, it goes back to the craftsmanship and the work. And, I enjoy what I do so much, and I enjoy sharing that with people. I always have butterflies in my stomach before the shows, but when it happens it's such a magical moment that can't be described."